Washington lobbying firm Von Batten-Montague-York, L.C., has warned it could advocate sanctions against the government of President Bola Tinubu.
“If insecurity and electoral integrity continue, drastic steps will be taken,” the statement posted on 𝕏 on Wednesday read.
The firm says it is already briefing officials in the administration of US President Donald Trump on developments in Nigeria, including allegations of interference in elections and violence.
“H.E. Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a statesman with a long and respected legacy who is the current President of Nigeria. “However, the majority of Nigerians do not have a positive opinion of his tenure as President,” the firm said.
It said that it had no authority to influence changes in leadership in Nigeria but that such power lies with the citizens.
“As American registered foreign agents, we have no power to remove a sitting leader from office: that power is solely with the Nigerian people,” it said.
The firm said its work in Washington is linked to a contract with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, under which it is required to lobby for U.S. action on issues involving Nigeria’s democracy and security.
“Former Nigerian Vice President Atiku Abubakar is no enemy, but a brother statesman, who has asked us to speak out for U.S. engagement to end the killing of innocent Nigerians and to insist that the right to free and fair elections be fully respected,” the statement said.
It also warned that there is no guarantee of a presidency, saying leadership ultimately depends on the will of the voters.
“The Nigerian presidency is not your birthright, but a privilege granted by the Nigerian people and if the Nigerian people decide you must leave, then you must leave,” it added.
The firm also warned it would seek punitive measures under the Global Magnitsky framework if evidence comes to light linking Nigerian officials to rights abuses or electoral misconduct.
“We will continue to press for US accountability measures, including the potential imposition of Global Magnitsky sanctions, to freeze assets wherever they may be, if credible evidence is uncovered of complicity in the killing of Christians in Northern Nigeria or of efforts to rig the upcoming presidential election,” it said.
This development follows a previous position by the firm in which it raised concerns about the role of the Independent National Electoral Commission, warning that weaknesses in safeguarding credible elections could undermine democratic processes.
It said it would engage the US Congress and National Security Council on the matter, saying discussions with policymakers were ongoing.
The effort is linked to a $1.2 million contract signed in March 2026 by Atiku, which requires the firm to help shape policy conversations in Washington, engage US officials, and manage his international profile ahead of the 2027 general elections.
